Embryo transfer is an emotional time, and how rested and calm you feel matters. In Chinese medicine, we focus on two things. The first is calm and sleep: easing stress, helping you rest better and helping you feel more settled in the days around transfer. The second is circulation and warmth. Traditionally, a well-nourished, warm womb with good blood flow is seen as the best environment for a pregnancy to begin, and we use acupuncture, and where appropriate gentle warming techniques. Treatment is tailored to your cycle and your protocol.

We can't promise implantation or IVF success, and research on acupuncture and live birth rates is mixed. What we offer is support for you through the process, in its own right and alongside your fertility clinic's care. Please tell us about your protocol and medications so we can plan around them.

There isn't one treatment schedule that is appropriate for everyone.

Some AcuFusion patients begin acupuncture several weeks before their planned embryo transfer, while others book treatment specifically around transfer day. The existing clinic programme commonly allows for treatment during the 2–4 weeks leading up to transfer, depending on the patient's circumstances.

Yes, where appropriate and where appointment timing allows.

Some acupuncture protocols studied in IVF research have included treatment shortly before and/or after embryo transfer. However, this has not been consistently shown to improve live-birth rates.

At AcuFusion, the timing is arranged around your fertility clinic appointment so that you don't feel rushed or place additional stress on yourself.

Some patients choose to have acupuncture following their transfer.

This may be on the same day where practical or during the days afterwards.

Treatment after transfer is gentle and focused on relaxation and general wellbeing. It should not replace any medication, restrictions or instructions given to you by your fertility clinic.

No.

You don't need to follow a specific pre-and-post protocol in order to attend AcuFusion.

Your treatment schedule depends on your circumstances, availability and personal preference.

William can discuss the different options with you and develop a plan that fits around your fertility treatment.

Yes.

The current AcuFusion service commonly sees patients during the weeks leading up to embryo transfer, rather than limiting treatment solely to transfer day. AcuFusion Acupuncture

This gives you an opportunity to establish treatment beforehand and allows other concerns such as stress, sleep and general wellbeing to be considered as part of your fertility care.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed appropriately by a qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles.

William should know about all medication you're taking and any relevant medical conditions before treatment.

Your fertility clinic's advice always takes priority, and you should tell William about any specific instructions or restrictions they've given you.

Acupuncture itself does not replace or alter the medication prescribed as part of your IVF cycle.

William will ask what medication you're currently taking so that your treatment can be planned appropriately.

You should never stop, delay or change fertility medication based on advice from an acupuncture practitioner. Any medication changes should be discussed with your fertility clinic.

Your first appointment includes a consultation followed by your acupuncture treatment.

William will discuss your fertility history, current IVF protocol, previous treatment where relevant, medication and expected embryo transfer date.

Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment methods such as pulse and tongue assessment may also be incorporated into the consultation.

That's completely normal during fertility treatment.

If your clinic changes your transfer date or timing, contact AcuFusion as soon as you know and we'll adjust your acupuncture appointments where availability allows.

The priority is always ensuring your acupuncture fits around your IVF treatment rather than the other way around.

Some patients choose to continue acupuncture during early pregnancy.

If pregnancy is confirmed, your treatment will be adapted appropriately and William should be informed before your next appointment.

Your fertility clinic or maternity healthcare provider should remain your primary source of medical advice throughout pregnancy.

AcuFusion works with major private health insurers and William is registered with the AFPA.

Whether you can claim and how much you can claim depends on your individual policy and level of cover.

We recommend checking directly with your insurer if reimbursement is important to you.

Got further questions? Call us on 01 524 0874.